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Apple Configurator vs. MDM

Is Apple Configurator a cheap substitute fo true Mobile Device Management? Or is it something else entirely? We hope this comparison answers the question.

Some notes: when we write “MDM”, we are speaking about the combination of ActiveSync, MobileConfig Profiles, and Apple’s interface for MDM commands that is used by most vendors in our Comparison of MDM Providers.

Apple Configurator is listed twice, since it can be used in two different ways. Devices can be unsupervised — which means the are simply prepared for deployment — or supervised, something altogether different.

This is a wiki page. Since we expect all these technologies to mature, we hope you help us keep this page accurate and up-to-date.

MDM

Configurator (unsupervised)

Configurator (supervised)

Installation

web page or (sometimes) app

USB

USB

Delivery of Updates

OTA Push

USB from original computer

USB from original computer

Multi-user devices?

No

No

Yes, with short backup-and-restore cycle

Set up mobileconfig restrictions, web clips, email, VPN, etc.?

Yes, with push updates and changes

Yes, only during initial config

Yes, only during initial config

Update iOS

No

Yes

Yes

Set Lock Screen Image

No

Yes, with optional device name

Yes, with device and/or user name and/or user photo

Set Wallpaper

No

Yes

Yes

Install free apps

Yes

Yes

Yes

Owner (Apple ID) of free apps

End User

Installer

Installer

Install Paid Apps with VPP Codes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Owner of Paid Apps

End-User

?

Device

Revokable and Reuse VPP Codes?

No

Yes (if device erased by ACfg)

Yes

Passwords entries needed for N app installs on a single device?

N (most implementations) or 1 (some implementations)

0

0

Can push documents?

Not through MDM (some have companion app)

Yes, as part of initial image

Yes, per-user docs backed up and saved

Query installed apps

Yes

No

No

Remove Wipe

Yes

No

No

Ideal for

BYOD and/or widely-dispersed users

Initial configuration and deployments, especially when paired with MDM